This is a not so comprehensive guide in traveling but hope that it will help
Many of us are interested in travelling to different beautiful places (who isn’t) but don’t have the knowledge on how to and what are the things you need on doing it. These are the main things or trait need in a successful solo backpacking.
Things You need to Have for a Successful Solo backpacking
- Backpack – can you call you are backpacking if you do not have a backpack? so it is a must for those interested. Why backpack? and not those luggage that have wheels? its up to you on what your preference but for me back pack is more convenient. I will create a comprehensive backpack guide on the future.
- Money – Who doesn’t need this? To pay all of your needs, just be mindful on how you spend your money.
- Itinerary – Having A good schedule will save you lots of time thinking on where to go next. For my Itinerary I include the budget and general details so I can stick to that budget and not overspend.
- Courage – You will need this a lot. Having courage let you enjoy to the fullest where you need to jump over a 40 ft cliff, eat exotic food or dance in the middle of a festival. Don’t let those fears bring you down and ask yourself a dozen question What ifs. Instead you can proudly say “What’s next!” 🙂
- Clear Mind – There are no sure things in this world if it will not happen it will not. Prepare yourself for a worse scenario whether the schedule of your flight was delayed(or is it normal?) or Your service broke down in a middle of the nowhere. These unforeseen events will never be resolved by you throwing tantrums. Think on what are the other options and be optimistic.You will see the big difference.
- Smartphone – This is an optional item, But for me it is a must. Where you need those Map app to know if you are on the right track. Or those Travel App to know where is the best restaurant. A book app so you will not get board . And many other things that you can done on a smart phone. But be sure that you will not go to a beach to enjoy a game all day you can do games some other time. Use smart phone apps at your own risk. I do enjoy reading a novel on my smart phone on a beach.
Why Solo Backpacking? Why Not ?, here are the list of advantage and disadvantage of SOLO backpacking
Advantage of Solo Backpacking
- You’re in Control – if you are the person who is the first to take a bath in every trip and tired of all the slow poke friend you have. Solo backpacking is for you, you have the perfect control of your trips on where to go, eat and how long will it takes.
- Develop Communication skill – in backpacking you are not that one in tours where you’ll be picked up from airport and you will not worry about a thing because they will do all the things you need to do. Instead you will be in commando type of trip where you need commute, talk to local driver and ask direction. You are alone Its time, be brave and talk to other people because you need it.
- Finding New Friends – Being alone will make you brave to approach other people,. Where you are likely to spend a night in a dorm type hostel or sharing on renting a boat for island hopping or just the one sitting beside You. If you are not familiar in a place and you develop a certain friendship with people new to that place they will happily give you tips and what to do and not to do in places and discounts too. But not all people have good intentions so stay vigilant. Remember to smile and enjoy with your new-found friends.
- You can find inner peace – You can spend a day on a virgin beach and just closed your eyes listen to the waves and the chirping of birds. You can’t do that if you have your friends nagging you all day
Disadvantage of Solo Backpacking
- Costly – If you are not that person that is willing to go to a dorm and be true to the word solo, you need to have some deep pocket my friend. Most hotel room are much more expensive than a dorm type bed. Food is cheaper if you share it with a friend. And the more you are with the more discounts a tour company or a local driver will give you.
- Lonely at times – It was more fun to share moments with your loved ones and closed friend but if in solo backpacking, you just cherished the moment by yourself. So it will be lonely at times
- You need to compromise – Being with friends you always need to meet halfway so you can decide on certain things. Like common questions where to eat? when are we leaving? don’t be that bossy friend no one likes.
- Lack of Security – If you have no friends, you always need your valuables with you all the times cause no one will hold it for you. So you need to watch your back alone. Be careful always stay in crowded and light places that are not so risky.
Now you have the basic knowledge for solo backpacking, Get your Backpacks ready and Plan Your Next Trip! Enjoy!
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